"The Ritz" is nearly upon us. It's been a hectic run through the
last month, but. . .you know what? I think we've got it under control.

A lot of man (and woman) hours have gone into preparing for our annual
fundraiser — and THE gala event of Jefferson County. With Don Young
keeping us all organized, everything has gone as smoothly as could be expected.

I trust you've brushed off your tux and dug out your dancing
shoes for the Rotary Club of East Jefferson County's annual gala. From
5:30 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, Sept. 13, Port Ludlow’s
The Bay Club is the place to be for food and fun.

This is indeed the premiere
event of its kind in Jefferson County. Flowing
champagne and trays of hors d'oeuvres are consumed while folks
wander the silent auction room placing their bids.

Milt and Judi
Morris are all spiffed up for the Ritz.(Photo is courtesy
of
Golden Times Photography.)

There’s something for everyone at the Ritz's auctions. Local
residents and businesses donate lots of items, priced from a few dollars
to a thousand
dollars, or more. In years past, trips on sailboats, parties for 50, travel
opportunities, handmade quilts, early telephones, office fans, Wilson
classic golf clubs, nursery stock,
a solid oak game table and a Seahawk’s jersey were just a few of the
items that were up for auction. Many local businesspersons donate services,
as well. (Remember, Ritz donations are tax deductible.)

But before the oral auction begins, Ritz guests are wined and dined with prime
rib, salmon, or vegetarian pasta. Decadent desserts follow.

Once the last of the donations is auctioned off, guests are invited to dance
the night away to the Dukes of Dabob.

If you haven't signed up to help. . .before. . .after. . . or during.
. .the Ritz, please e-mail Don and
ask, "What can I do?"

RI
theme: Lend
a Hand

In January 2003, the soon-to-be
Rotary International President Jonathan B. Majiyagbe addressed the
International Assembly in Anaheim, California.

In
that speech, he promised "2003/04 will be an exciting year
for all of Rotary, the final year of our first century".

"In the coming year, you and I will lead Rotarians
worldwide in a united effort to address the many disasters that afflict
our world. This is an enormous challenge with many complicating factors.
But our theme for the year will be simple and straightforward, expressing
the natural impulse that all Rotarians feel when they come face to face
with human need,"Majiyagbe said.
"In 2003/04, I will ask all Rotarians to 'Lend a Hand'. These
three words express the fundamental instinct we all share — to reach out
in fellowship and service, to Lend a Hand wherever it is needed — in our
clubs, in our vocations, in our communities and in our world.

"We will Lend a Hand to alleviate abject poverty,
Lend a Hand to educate the illiterate, Lend a Hand to relieve the scourge
of disease, Lend a Hand of fellowship to all of the family of Rotary.

"Whether we are reaching out to those in our own
clubs, or reaching halfway across the world, personal involvement has always
been fundamental to Rotarian service. When we Lend a Hand, we focus on
this personal involvement and we celebrate our shared humanity,"he
added. "Working together, ready and willing to help our brothers and
sisters in need, one hand can become many and there is no limit to what
the helping hands of Rotary can accomplish."